Curator’s Corner: James Louis Lundean

Jun 24

Written By BRAHM

We're continuing our highlight of our latest exhibition, "Marjorie & Louis," with a look at Marjorie Daingerfield's second husband, James Louis Lundean (1896-1961). Unlike Marjorie, Louis' name is one that few may recognize. He was an established commercial artist, as well as a journalist, and he had an extremely interesting life story as a "cowboy of the American West."

It has been said that it was Native Americans who encouraged Louis to draw as they rode around on their horses. He knew how to ride horses, too, from a young age. Many news articles about Louis read similar to this one, stating, "One of Louis Lundean's earliest recollections is that of being staked out near a horse corral, where he scratched pictures of broncs in the dust with a stick."

We now know that, while some of his stories have their truths, the artist created some sense of mystique around this popularized Western image. Louis' father passed away when he was very young, and he was raised by his mother, May Lundean, in a rather suburban Council Bluffs, Iowa. He did spend some of his youth around Native Americans, and he maintained an appreciation for them throughout his life. By the time Louis attended high school, his skills as an artist were well established. He left college early and moved to New York City, where he became a member of the Art Students League and studied with established artist George Luks.

Louis upheld his identity as an American cowboy for the rest of his life. It was an excellent marketing tool when it came to promoting his drawings and paintings of horses and outdoor scenery. His work for magazines and publications allowed him to travel all across the country to horse polo and other sporting and hunting events. Most often, Louis would capture quick sketches of horses and their riders in action, but he also went back to his studio to complete larger, more finished paintings.

Louis met Marjorie at a gallery opening in New York City, and the two were married in 1945. Despite coming from vastly different upbringings, the couple had a lot in common! We'll be sure to share more about "Marjorie & Louis" in the coming weeks!